Marx Hill upgrade completed

THE journey is just as inspiring but getting to and from Bellingen is now also much safer.

After five months of delays, dust, mud, traffic lights and lollipop people, the Marx Hill upgrade east of the town is now finished.

Built by the RTA’s Road and Fleet Services, the project cost $5.3 million and was fully funded by the State Government.

It was delivered under budget and employed 40 people.

An RTA spokesperson said the work involved the building of a temporary side track to allow for additional drains to be built, the installation of a cattle underpass and the retention of the existing rest area.

The removal of two sharp bends and the widening of the road are expected to greatly improve safety.

All up 30,000 cubic metres of earth was moved and 15,000 cubic metres of road base was laid.

It is also hoped the new roadway will be high enough to stop this section of the Waterfall Way being blocked by floodwaters.